The Media in Policy Making Process in Uganda

ABSTRACT The study was conducted to establish the actual role of media in the policy making process in Uganda. It was guided by the following , to examine the effectiveness of media policy making process in Uganda, the level of awareness of government media policies in Uganda and also establish the contribution of media in the policy making process. The study adopted descriptive design which used qualitative and quantitative research methods on a sample of 150 respondents purposely selected from the target population. The major findings of the study were that, most of the policies were compatible to satisfy diverse goals but the policies had a symbolic value and lack funds for implementation, the awareness level was low among the respondents, it was also found out that the contribution of the media in policy making process was low. Based on findings it was recommended that the government should sensitize the public on the importance of participation in policy making process and the media owners should increase the coverage of policy making process in their programmes. Government should provide incentives to those media owners who are making a contribution to the policy making process. Government should not heavily interfere with the functions of the media.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECLARATION

APPROVAL

DEDICATION iii

ABBREVIATIONS! ACRONYMS v

LIST OF TABLES viii

ABSTRACT viiii

APTER PAGE

ne THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE 1

Background of the study 1

Statement of the problem 8

Purpose of the study 8

Research objectives 8

Research questions 8

Geographical Scope 8

Content scope 9

Time scope 9

Significance of the study 9

Operational definitions of the key terms 9

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE 11

Introduction 11

Influence of the media 18

Agenda setting theory 19

Three METHODOLOGY 29

Introduction 29

Research design 29

Research population 29

Sample size 29

vi

Research population 29

Sample size 29

Sampling procedure 30

Research Instrument 30

Self —administered general questionnaire 31

Interview 31

Data analysis 31

validity and reliability of the instrument 32

Ethical considerations 32

our PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA 33

Introduction 33

ive FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS 40

Introduction 40

Summary of the Findings 40

Conclusion 41

Recommendations for improving performance 42

Area of Further Research 43

References 43

Appendices 48

Appendix I -Transmittal Letter 48

Appendix II- Clearence Form Ethics Committee 49

Appendix III- General Questionnaire 50

Appendix IV- Proposed Budget 56

Appendix V- Time Frame 57

Appendix VI- Map of Uganda showing districts AS OF 2010 58

Curriculum Vitae 59